December 2, 2024
To our Michigan Crossroads Council and Bay-Lakes Council Scouting Families,
We are honored to share with you some exciting news regarding Scouting in Michigan!
The Executive Boards of the Bay-Lakes Council (BLC) and the Michigan Crossroads Council (MCC) are excited to announce the transition of the Michigan Upper Peninsula operations in 2025. More specifically, the Hiawathaland District and Camp Hiawatha, as well as the many Scouting families and volunteers that reside in this area, will join the MCC effective January 1, 2025.
Leadership from both Councils expect this action to result in an enhanced Scouting experience for everyone in the state. The move will combine the significant operational resources, field staff and financial capabilities of the MCC with the current successful Scouting program and camping reputation of the Bay-Lakes Council.
We believe that the Hiawathaland District Scouting units and families will be best served by the Michigan Crossroads Council’s zone service model which puts more professional resources at the local and council level.
In addition, scouting families in the UP will enjoy the convenience and fast home delivery of the MCC online Scout Shop. This innovative platform offers 24/7 ordering via mobile or desktop platforms, fast delivery to the UP (two-day on average) with reasonable shipping costs, order tracking and easy credit card payment options similar to other online shopping experiences.
MCC also offers more camping and activity programs, including the very popular ”Mackinac Rendezvous” which will take place in September 2025.
Better online tools and many other resources will help grow and support the delivery of the Scouting program in the UP.
Here are some important things to know regarding the territory and camp transfer:
- Camp Hiawatha will continue to operate as scheduled for 2025 and beyond.
- Current registration platforms will be migrated to the MCC for a seamless transition for Scouting units and leaders.
- The registration / membership renewal cycle will be transferred to the Michigan Crossroads Council after March 31, 2025.
- A transition team of volunteers and staff has been assembled by the Michigan Crossroads Council in the areas of operations, camping, program, and marketing. Both Councils are working collaboratively to make this transition as seamless as possible for scouting families and volunteers.
To learn more during this transition period, we invite you to participate in a webinar hosted by the Michigan Crossroads Council.
Our commitment to you, our Scouting families and units is to provide you with a seamless transition. To help you to continue to deliver the Scouting program and adventures that our Scouting families and units deserve.
We will share additional information with you as it becomes available.
Thank you for all you do for Scouting. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
If you have any questions, you can email hiawathaland@michiganscouting.org.
Timothy Feldhausen
Council President
Bay Lakes Council
Timothy Ekola
Council Board Chair
Michigan Crossroads Council
Leave A Comment